RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil -- President Dilma Rousseff appealed to Brazilians to support the World Cup, using a nationally televise

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil -- President Dilma Rousseff appealed to Brazilians to support the World Cup, using a nationally televised address less than two days before the tournament starts to rebuke the "pessimists" who complain the country shouldnt be hosting the event. Cheap Air Max 720 . Brazils World Cup preparations have stoked countless protests from those angered by the billions spent on the event while the quality of public services in the health, education, security and transport spheres is lacking. In a pre-taped speech aired during prime time Tuesday night, Rousseff called on all Brazilians to back the national team regardless of their political persuasion or whether they fully agree with the nation hosting the event. "Im certain that in the 12 host cities, visitors are going to mix with a happy, generous and hospitable people, and be impressed by a nation full of natural beauty and which fights each day to become more equal," she said, referring to sharp drops in poverty that Brazil has seen in the past decade under Workers Party leadership. Rousseff also defended the $11.5 billion spent on the Cup. Three out of every four Brazilians polled say they are convinced that corruption has tinged the myriad works related to the Cup. An Associated Press investigation earlier this year found that big construction firms responsible for building the bulk of the stadiums, roads and other works had dramatically increased their campaign contributions since Brazil was named as the host of this years Cup. Much of that money was funneled to Rousseffs ruling Workers Party though spending also went to the opposition. In one case, top builder Andrade Gutierrez, which has helped build or renovate four stadiums, hiked campaign contributions 500-fold from one election to the next after it was determined which 12 cities would host matches. That stoked anger and increased suspicions about collusion between politicians and the big builders -- especially after reports from government auditors began to surface, indicating massive cost overruns along with allegations of price-gouging, principally in the building of stadiums. For instance, the cost of the stadium in Brasilia, a city with no major professional soccer team, has nearly tripled to $900 million from original price estimates published by the government. "Have no doubt, the accounts of the Cup are being meticulously analyzed by auditing agencies," Rousseff said. "If there exists any irregularity, those responsible will receive the maximum punishment." About half of Brazilians polled have said theyre against even hosting the World Cup and the mood is mixed about the event just days before it starts. That was once unthinkable for a nation that embodies soccer like no other, the country that has won the World Cup a record five times. However, many Cup watchers also think that if the Brazilian team gets on a roll and starts winning, the mood could quickly pivot and the nation could show the world a celebration worthy of its international reputation as a land of free-wheeling festivals and easy going, friendly people. Rousseff said that "for any nation, organizing a Cup is like taking part in a tough -- and many times painful -- game." The leader rebuked those who argue Brazil has spent too much on the Cup, saying that since 2010, the government has spent more than 200 times what it invested in stadiums on education and health care systems. Adding to fears of chaos during the Cup, subway worker unions in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro were both expected to announce decisions soon on whether they would call transportation strikes for the coming days. Rousseff, whose poll numbers are slipping ahead of an October political election, concluded her speech by urging all Brazilians to rally around their team, whom she addressed directly. "Beneath those green and canary jerseys, you embody a powerful legacy of the Brazilian people. The national team represents nationality," she said. "Its above governments, parties and interests of any group." Wholesale Air Max 270 . Williams withdrawal came less than 24 hours after losing in the final Auckland WTA tournament final. "I dont believe she has an injury," Hobart tournament director Mark Handley said. Cheap Air Max 97 Black . Sections of the British media reported Friday that Brooklyn Beckham, the son of United great David, was invited to a training session at the club on Thursday. http://www.airmaxsneakersonsale.com/cheap-air-max-90.html . The Brewers finalized a US$36 million, three-year contract with free agent third baseman Aramis Ramirez on Wednesday, adding a much-needed bat to their lineup.OAKLAND, Calif. -- Jon Lester took the mound in a different uniform and, for the first time in his major league career, felt just slightly out of place. Quickly enough, he put aside the newness of pitching for Oakland -- and the expectations that hell help lead baseballs winningest team on a deep run in October. Lester worked into the seventh inning to win his Athletics debut and Gomes produced two timely hits during an eight-run burst in his Bay Area return for an 8-3 victory against the Kansas City Royals on Saturday. Two days after being traded from the sagging World Series champion Boston Red Sox, Lester and Gomes teamed up on a nice win out West. "After warming up it felt a little more normal, getting back to the pitching performance and worrying about that and not worrying about living situations or moving or anything like that," Lester said. "It was a little different at first." Lesters parents flew down from the Seattle area for his start. The 6-foot-4 lefty instantly became an imposing presence in the pitcher-friendly Coliseum. Fans in the crowd of 30,097 cheered as he went through his warmup routine in left field, then Lester (11-7) tipped his cap to a roaring ovation when he left after 6 2-3 innings and 104 pitches. "To walk off to the ovation was great," Lester said. "It kind of makes you feel welcome." Lester gave up three runs and nine hits, striking out three and walking one. Manager Bob Melvin joked about being scared to take him out. "I said, Nice going, big fella. He is a big fella," Melvin said. Back with the AL West-leading As, Gomes delivered like old 2012 times. He singled and scored off Jason Vargas (8-5), then added a hit a two-run single off Aaron Crow. "Every once in a while some new blood, some new energy can help out," Gomes said. Pitching on seven days rest after being scratched Wednesday ahead of the trade deadline, Lester improved to 8-3 with a 2. Cheap Air Max 90 Free Shipping. 20 ERA in 12 career starts against the Royals. He hasnt lost in nine starts overall since June 7 at Detroit. "Jonny Lester is one of the best pitchers in the American League," Royals manager Ned Yost said. The As went ahead with their planned promotion, passing out 10,000 Yoenis Cespedes T-shirts reading "La Potencia" -- it pays tribute to his power. The two-time Home Run Derby champ was traded to Boston in the big swap and made his Red Sox debut Saturday. Vargas came off the disabled list to make his first start since undergoing an appendectomy July 9. After the first 12 As batters were retired in order, the next 12 produced eight hits and eight runs. Oakland lost second baseman Nick Punto when he strained his right hamstring, and he will require a disabled list stint. He rounded third on Jed Lowries RBI single in the fifth, but slid toward the coachs box and grabbed the back of his leg before hobbling back to the bag. REPLAY REVIEW: In the fourth, the umpires went to replay to determine whether As catcher Derek Norris improperly blocked the plate when he tagged a sliding Alex Gordon. The out call was confirmed, with newly acquired centre fielder Sam Fulds throw resulting in a sensational double play. "I knew I had a chance," Fuld said. "Its hard to throw guys out at home, especially with the new rules." TRAINERS ROOM Royals: First baseman Eric Hosmer went on the 15-day disabled with a stress fracture of the third finger on his right hand. Athletics: Center fielder Coco Crisp missed his sixth straight game with a strained neck. Melvin said the As arent putting him on the DL because Crisp has shown he can make quick progress once back doing baseball activities, which could be Sunday. ON DECK Kansas City right-hander James Shields (9-6, 3.50 ERA) makes his team-leading 24th start. Scott Kazmir (12-3, 2.37) opposes him. ' ' '